Abstract: A method and an apparatus for enhancing operation of a leg prothesis is provided. The apparatus includes a variable stiffness module configured to be attached between a first portion and a second portion of a leg prothesis. The first portion is configured to move relative to the second portion in a first plane. The variable stiffness module defines an interior region configured to store pressurized fluid. A volume of the interior region is configured to be varied from a first volume to a second volume such that a stiffness of the variable stiffness module in the first plane is varied from a first stiffness to a second stiffness.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a self-sterilizing sanitary barrier is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing defining an interior space configured to receive a mask sheet such that the mask sheet is movable from a first position covering a portion of a face of a user to a second position within the interior space of the housing. The apparatus also includes a light source mounted within the interior space and configured to emit radiation to sterilize the mask sheet in the second position. The method includes steps including donning the apparatus on the user and moving the mask from the first position to the second position. The method further includes emitting radiation from the light source within the housing to sterilize the mask sheet in the second position.

Abstract: A point-of-care medical testing system integrated with a patient monitor is disclosed. The system may include a microfluidic cartridge configured to receive a blood sample and generate a sensory signal dependent on a concentration of a biomarker in the blood sample. A cartridge reading assembly receives the microfluidic cartridge. The cartridge reading assembly includes a processing unit and a memory coupled with the processing unit. The memory stores executable instructions to cause the processing unit to receive the sensory signal, correlate the received sensory signal with the concentration of the biomarker in the blood sample, and produce an output representative of the concentration of the biomarker in the blood sample. The cartridge reading assembly is coupled to the patient monitor and configured to send the output to the patient monitor.

Abstract: A point-of-care medical testing system integrated with a patient monitor is disclosed. The system may include a microfluidic cartridge configured to receive a blood sample and generate a sensory signal dependent on a concentration of a biomarker in the blood sample. A cartridge reading assembly receives the microfluidic cartridge. The cartridge reading assembly includes a processing unit and a memory coupled with the processing unit. The memory stores executable instructions to cause the processing unit to receive the sensory signal, correlate the received sensory signal with the concentration of the biomarker in the blood sample, and produce an output representative of the concentration of the biomarker in the blood sample. The cartridge reading assembly is coupled to the patient monitor and configured to send the output to the patient monitor.